{"product_id":"rudolf-ii-the-life-and-legend-of-the-mad-emperor-9781836390619","title":"Rudolf II: The Life and Legend of the Mad Emperor","description":"\u003cb\u003eA reinterpretation of the Habsburgian ruler's reign as exemplary rather than reclusive.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eRudolf II \u003c\/i\u003eoffers a fresh perspective on the Habsburg ruler, shedding new light on a reign often colored by myths of madness. Thomas DaCosta Kaufmann argues that, contrary to popular belief, Rudolf was not a passive recluse but an engaged monarch, navigating the complexities of state affairs with a moderate hand amid turbulent times. By contextualizing Rudolf's interests in astrology, alchemy, and magic, this book offers new insights into the emperor's support for scientific endeavors and his quest for power. Kaufmann also demonstrates that Rudolf's assembling of the greatest Kunstkammer and painting collection of his time and his patronage of artists were essential elements of Renaissance rulership.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Reaktion Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/09\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781836390619\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 288","brand":"Thomas Dacosta Kaufmann","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45097031303349,"sku":"9781836390619","price":21.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_db4755ec-7294-45bd-a6cc-c1fd58c0a3ea.jpg?v=1739283053","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/rudolf-ii-the-life-and-legend-of-the-mad-emperor-9781836390619","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}